Kayden Hansen

Kayden Andrew Hansen was born on April 23, 2009 at the Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria , Minnesota . He and his loving mother, Bethany Hansen, made their home in Alberta , MN. Kayden was also lucky enough to live with his grandparents, Ardyn & Lorie Hansen, who cherished the opportunity to share in the daily joys of having Kayden and Bethany in their home. Kayden’s walk with Jesus began with his baptism into the Lutheran Faith on May 3, 2009 by Reverend Rob Jarvis at Zion Lutheran Church in Morris. That “Light of Christ” was always evident in Kayden’s eyes, and his smile had a way of illuminating any room. He was a very happy baby who loved many things such as the warmth of his mother’s hugs, the sound of grandma singing “Jesus Loves Me” or “Wheels on the Bus”, any opportunity to have some “Grandpa Time”, or sharing the bathtub and playing rubber duckies with his Aunt Nicole.

At Kayden’s four month check-up, everything in his family’s world changed. He was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1, and the prognosis was not encouraging. Bethany learned that her son’s life span would be very short and he would never have the ability to walk. From that moment on, Kayden’s family learned to cherish every moment and to live life to the fullest. They practiced that the very same day by leaving the Doctor’s office and going to Como Zoo so that Kayden could enjoy all the animals.

As expected, Kayden’s disease progressed, but his positive, smiley attitude continued as well. Whether he was camping or boating with his family or working hard to build muscle in his physical therapy sessions, Kayden’s smile was constant. He was quite a flirt and you couldn’t help but be happy when you were with him.

Although Kayden’s health had really been good, he recently came down with a simple viral illness. It was soon evident that his weakened body was losing the battle and his family was called to be near him. On December 16, 2009, in the comfort of his mother’s arms and surrounded by his loving family, Kayden died, leaving his earthly home to walk, run and dwell forever in the comfort and company of Jesus. Although his time with us was short, his memory will live with us permanently.

Those blessed most by Kayden’s time here were his family: his mother, Bethany Hansen of Morris; grandparents: Ardyn & Lorie Hansen of Alberta ; aunt: Nicole Hansen of Alberta ; great-grandparents: Lee & Pat Schmidtbauer of Alexandria and Melvin “Smiley” & Jolene Hansen of Staples and great-great-grandmother: Jane Jankowsky of Park Rapids. Kayden was preceded in death by great-great-grandparents: Ed Jankowsky, Leo & Eleanor Schmidtbauer, Myrtle & Ivan Hansen and Jens & Mary Jensen.

Pallbearers for the service are: Mark Schmidtbauer, Scott Schmidtbauer, Adam Hansen and Tyler Schmidtbauer. Honorary pallbearers for the service are Kayden’s Baptismal Sponsors: Kyle Koenig, Ashley Schmidtbauer, Evonne Schmidtbauer, Shawn Voss and Nicole Hansen. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.